9874935

Systems and Methods For A Texture Engine

PublishedJanuary 23, 2018
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system comprising: a processor configured to: receive a display signal comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels is associated with a color and an intensity of the color; assign a haptic value to each color; receive a sensor signal from a sensor configured to detect movement of a mobile device in the X, Y, or Z direction; determine a haptic effect comprising a texture, wherein determining the haptic effect comprises determining the haptic value associated with one or more of the plurality of pixels, and wherein determining the haptic effect further comprises determining the haptic effect based in part on the movement; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect; an actuator in communication with the processor, the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect, wherein the haptic signal comprises a direction of operation and an intensity of operation for the actuator, wherein the direction of operation is based in part on the color and the intensity of operation is based in part on the intensity of the color; and a display in communication with the processor, the display configured to receive the display signal and output an image, wherein the texture is output onto a surface of the display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system that generates haptic feedback based on visual content and device movement. The system addresses the problem of providing users with tactile feedback that corresponds to visual elements on a display, enhancing interaction by making digital content more immersive. The system includes a processor that receives a display signal containing multiple pixels, each with a color and intensity value. The processor assigns a haptic value to each color, allowing different colors to trigger distinct tactile sensations. Additionally, the processor receives input from a sensor that detects movement of a mobile device in the X, Y, or Z direction. Using this movement data, the processor determines a haptic effect, which includes a texture that varies based on the color and intensity of the pixels and the device's movement. The processor then transmits a haptic signal to an actuator, which outputs the haptic effect. The haptic signal specifies the direction and intensity of the actuator's operation, with direction influenced by the color and intensity derived from the pixel data. The system also includes a display that outputs the visual content, while the haptic texture is applied to the display surface, providing synchronized tactile feedback. This approach enables dynamic, context-aware haptic responses that enhance user interaction with digital content.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the texture is vibrotactile effect.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the texture comprises the texture of one or more of: sand, lizard skin, or a brick.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for generating or modifying surface textures in digital or physical environments, addressing the need for realistic and customizable texture representations. The system creates or alters textures to mimic natural or man-made surfaces, such as sand, lizard skin, or brick, to enhance visual or tactile realism in applications like virtual reality, 3D modeling, or material design. The texture generation process involves simulating the microscopic and macroscopic characteristics of these surfaces, including grain patterns, roughness, and structural irregularities, to produce an accurate representation. The system may use computational algorithms, material science techniques, or physical fabrication methods to achieve the desired texture. By incorporating these specific textures, the system enables more immersive and precise simulations or reproductions of real-world surfaces, improving user experience and application accuracy. The invention is particularly useful in fields requiring high-fidelity surface representations, such as gaming, architecture, or robotics, where texture realism directly impacts functionality and user interaction.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises one or more of: an eccentric rotating mass motor, a linear resonant actuator, a shape memory alloy, an electroactive polymer, or a piezoelectric actuator.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a haptic feedback system designed to provide tactile sensations to users, addressing the need for versatile and responsive haptic actuators in devices like smartphones, gaming controllers, and wearable technology. The system includes an actuator configured to generate vibrations or mechanical movements to simulate touch feedback. The actuator can be implemented using various technologies, including an eccentric rotating mass motor, a linear resonant actuator, a shape memory alloy, an electroactive polymer, or a piezoelectric actuator. Each of these technologies offers distinct advantages in terms of response time, power efficiency, and precision. The system may also include a controller that adjusts the actuator's operation based on input signals, such as user interactions or predefined haptic patterns, to deliver customized feedback. The use of multiple actuator types allows the system to adapt to different applications, ensuring optimal performance across various devices and use cases. This flexibility enhances user experience by providing more immersive and accurate tactile feedback.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein each color comprises an intensity, and determining the haptic effect further comprises adjusting the haptic value to correspond to the intensity.

Plain English Translation

A system generates haptic effects based on visual content, such as images or video, by analyzing color data and converting it into tactile feedback. The system processes an image to identify colors present in the visual content, where each color has an associated intensity value. The system then determines a haptic effect by adjusting a haptic value to correspond to the intensity of each color. For example, brighter or more saturated colors may produce stronger haptic feedback, while darker or less saturated colors may produce weaker feedback. The system may also map specific colors to predefined haptic patterns, such as vibrations or textures, to enhance user interaction with the visual content. This approach allows users to experience visual information through touch, improving accessibility and immersion. The system can be integrated into devices like smartphones, tablets, or virtual reality headsets to provide dynamic haptic responses based on real-time visual analysis. The intensity adjustment ensures that the haptic feedback accurately reflects the visual characteristics of the content, providing a more intuitive and responsive user experience.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator is coupled to the display.

Plain English Translation

A system for controlling a display device includes an actuator that is mechanically coupled to the display. The actuator adjusts the position or orientation of the display in response to input signals. The system may also include a sensor that detects environmental conditions, such as ambient light or user proximity, and a controller that processes sensor data to determine the appropriate display adjustment. The actuator can move the display to optimize viewing angles, reduce glare, or enhance ergonomics. The system may further include a user interface that allows manual adjustment of the display position. The actuator may be an electric motor, a piezoelectric device, or another type of positioning mechanism. The display can be a flat-panel screen, a flexible display, or another type of visual output device. The system ensures that the display remains in an optimal viewing position under varying conditions, improving user experience and accessibility.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a housing configured to enclose the actuator and the processor.

Plain English Translation

A system for controlling an actuator includes a processor configured to receive input signals and generate control signals to operate the actuator. The actuator is connected to a mechanical component and adjusts its position or movement based on the control signals. The system also includes a housing that encloses both the actuator and the processor, providing protection and structural support. The housing may be designed to shield the components from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, or physical damage, while also facilitating heat dissipation. The processor may include logic to interpret input signals from sensors or user interfaces and translate them into precise actuator commands. The actuator may be an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic device, depending on the application. The housing ensures the system operates reliably in various environments, such as industrial, automotive, or medical settings. The enclosed design may also reduce electromagnetic interference and improve safety by preventing unintended access to moving parts. The system may be used in applications requiring precise control, such as robotics, automation, or smart machinery.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the housing comprises a mobile device housing.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the actuator is coupled to the housing.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the movement of the mobile device corresponds to a movement in a virtual workspace.

Plain English Translation

A system is described for tracking and translating the physical movement of a mobile device into corresponding movements within a virtual workspace. The mobile device is equipped with sensors to detect its physical motion, such as acceleration, rotation, or positional changes. The system processes these sensor inputs to determine the device's movement in three-dimensional space. This movement is then mapped to a virtual workspace, allowing the device to interact with virtual objects or environments based on its physical motion. The virtual workspace may represent a digital interface, a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) environment, or a simulation where the device's movement controls navigation, object manipulation, or other interactions. The system ensures that the physical movement of the device is accurately translated into the virtual space, enabling intuitive and responsive control. This approach enhances user interaction in applications such as gaming, virtual training, or remote operation of devices, where physical gestures or movements are used to navigate or manipulate virtual elements. The system may also include calibration mechanisms to adjust for environmental factors or user preferences, ensuring precise and consistent mapping between physical and virtual movements.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a touch-sensitive interface configured to detect user interaction and transmit a sensor signal to the processor based at least in part on the user interaction.

Plain English Translation

A system for user interaction with electronic devices includes a touch-sensitive interface that detects physical contact or gestures from a user and generates sensor signals corresponding to the interaction. These signals are transmitted to a processor, which interprets the input to perform actions such as navigating menus, selecting options, or controlling device functions. The touch-sensitive interface may use capacitive, resistive, or other sensing technologies to detect touch events, including single or multi-touch inputs. The processor processes the sensor signals to determine the type, location, and duration of the interaction, enabling precise control over the device's operations. This system enhances user experience by providing intuitive and responsive input methods, particularly in portable or compact devices where traditional input mechanisms may be impractical. The touch-sensitive interface may also include haptic feedback to confirm user actions or provide tactile guidance. The overall system integrates the touch-sensitive interface with the processor to create a seamless interaction framework, improving accessibility and efficiency in device operation.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine the haptic effect based at least in part on the sensor signal.

Plain English Translation

A system for generating haptic feedback in response to sensor data processes input signals from one or more sensors to produce tactile sensations. The system includes a processor that analyzes sensor signals to determine appropriate haptic effects, such as vibrations, textures, or force feedback, based on the detected input. The processor adjusts the haptic effect parameters, including intensity, duration, and pattern, according to the characteristics of the sensor signal. This allows the system to provide dynamic and context-aware tactile feedback in applications like virtual reality, gaming, or industrial interfaces. The sensor signals may originate from motion sensors, touch sensors, or environmental sensors, enabling real-time adaptation of haptic responses to user interactions or environmental changes. The system enhances user experience by delivering precise and responsive tactile feedback tailored to the detected sensor data.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the touch-sensitive interface is configured to detect a speed of the user interaction and wherein determining the haptic effect comprises adjusting the haptic effect to correspond with the speed of the user interaction.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 12 , wherein the touch-sensitive interface is configured to detect a pressure of the user interaction and wherein determining the haptic effect comprises adjusting the intensity of the haptic effect to correspond with the pressure of the user interaction.

Plain English Translation

A system for touch-sensitive interfaces enhances user interaction by dynamically adjusting haptic feedback based on applied pressure. The system operates in the domain of human-computer interaction, addressing the need for more intuitive and responsive feedback in touch-based devices. Traditional touch interfaces often provide static or binary haptic responses, which fail to convey nuanced information or adapt to varying user inputs. This system improves upon prior art by incorporating pressure-sensitive detection and adaptive haptic output. The touch-sensitive interface detects the force or pressure exerted by a user's interaction, such as a finger press or stylus contact. The system then processes this pressure data to determine an appropriate haptic effect, adjusting its intensity proportionally to the detected pressure. For example, a firmer press may trigger a stronger vibration or tactile pulse, while a lighter touch produces a subtler response. This dynamic adjustment creates a more immersive and contextually relevant feedback experience, improving user perception and control. The system may also include additional components, such as a processor to analyze input signals and a haptic actuator to generate the tactile feedback. The pressure-sensitive interface ensures precise measurement, while the haptic output is calibrated to provide consistent and meaningful responses. This approach enhances applications in gaming, virtual reality, mobile devices, and other interactive systems where tactile feedback plays a critical role. By linking pressure input to haptic intensity, the system offers a more natural and adaptive interaction paradigm compared to conventional touch interfaces.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A method for outputting a haptic effect comprising: receiving a display signal comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each of the plurality of pixels is associated with a color and an intensity of the color; assigning a haptic value to each color; receiving a sensor signal from a sensor configured to detect movement of a mobile device in the X, Y, or Z direction; determining a haptic effect comprising a texture, wherein determining the haptic effect comprises determining the haptic value associated with one or more of the plurality of pixels, and wherein determining the haptic effect further comprises determining the haptic effect based in part on the movement; transmitting a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect, wherein the haptic signal comprises a direction of operation and an intensity of operation for the actuator, wherein the direction of operation is based in part on the color and the intensity of operation is based in part on the intensity of the color; and outputting the display signal to a display configured to receive the display signal and output an image, wherein the texture is output onto a surface of the display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to generating haptic feedback in mobile devices based on visual content and motion. The problem addressed is the lack of dynamic, context-aware haptic effects that enhance user interaction with displayed content. The method involves receiving a display signal containing multiple pixels, each with a color and intensity value. Each color is assigned a predefined haptic value, which determines the type of tactile feedback. A sensor detects device movement in the X, Y, or Z direction, influencing the haptic effect. The system determines a haptic texture by analyzing pixel colors and intensities, then adjusts the effect based on detected motion. A haptic signal is sent to an actuator, specifying direction and intensity of operation. The direction is derived from the pixel color, while the intensity corresponds to the color's brightness. The display outputs the image, and the haptic texture is applied to its surface. This creates a synchronized tactile experience that responds to both visual content and physical movement, improving user engagement.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein each color comprises an intensity and determining the haptic effect further comprises adjusting the haptic value to correspond to the intensity.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising receiving an interface signal from a touch-sensitive interface, and wherein the haptic effect is determined based at least in part on the interface signal.

Plain English Translation

A method for generating haptic feedback in a touch-sensitive interface system addresses the need for dynamic and context-aware tactile responses to user interactions. The method involves detecting an interface signal from a touch-sensitive interface, such as a touchscreen or touchpad, which captures user input parameters like touch location, pressure, or gesture type. Based on this signal, a haptic effect is generated and applied to the interface to provide physical feedback to the user. The haptic effect may vary in intensity, duration, or pattern depending on the characteristics of the interface signal, enhancing user experience by making interactions more intuitive and responsive. This approach ensures that the haptic feedback is contextually relevant, adapting to different input scenarios to improve usability and engagement. The method may also integrate with other system components, such as display or audio systems, to synchronize haptic effects with visual or auditory feedback, creating a cohesive multisensory interaction. By dynamically adjusting haptic responses based on real-time input, the system provides a more immersive and interactive user experience.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. A system comprising: a touch-sensitive interface configured to detect a user interaction and transmit a signal corresponding to the user interaction, the touch-sensitive interface configured to detect the a speed and pressure of the user interaction; a processor in communication with the touch-sensitive interface, the processor configured to: receive a display signal comprising a plurality of pixels that each comprise a color and an intensity of the color; assign a haptic value to each color; receive a sensor signal from a sensor configured to detect movement of a mobile device in the X, Y, or Z direction; determine a haptic effect comprising a texture, wherein determining the haptic effect comprises determining the haptic value associated with one or more of the plurality of pixels, and wherein determining the haptic effect further comprises determining the haptic effect based in part on the movement; and transmit a haptic signal associated with the haptic effect; an actuator in communication with the processor, the actuator configured to receive the haptic signal and output the haptic effect, wherein the haptic signal comprises a direction of operation and an intensity of operation for the actuator, wherein the direction of operation is based in part on the color and the intensity of operation is based in part on the intensity of the color; and a display in communication with the processor, the display configured to receive the display signal and output an image, where in the texture is output onto a surface of the display.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for generating dynamic haptic feedback on a mobile device based on visual content and user interactions. The system addresses the challenge of providing immersive tactile experiences that align with on-screen visuals and user gestures, enhancing user engagement with digital content. The system includes a touch-sensitive interface that detects user interactions, including speed and pressure, and transmits corresponding signals. A processor receives display signals containing pixel data, where each pixel has a color and intensity. The processor assigns haptic values to colors and receives sensor signals indicating device movement in the X, Y, or Z direction. Based on this data, the processor determines a haptic effect with a specific texture, influenced by the haptic values of the displayed colors and the device's movement. The haptic effect is then transmitted to an actuator, which outputs the tactile feedback. The actuator's direction and intensity of operation are determined by the color and intensity of the displayed pixels, respectively. The haptic texture is applied to the display surface, synchronizing tactile feedback with visual content. This approach enables real-time, context-aware haptic responses that enhance user interaction with mobile devices.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The system of claim 18 further comprising a sensor configured to detect a movement of a mobile device in the X, Y, or Z direction, and wherein the processor is further configured to determine the haptic effect based in part on the movement.

Plain English Translation

A system for generating haptic feedback in mobile devices addresses the challenge of providing immersive and context-aware tactile responses. The system includes a processor that generates haptic effects based on input data, such as user interactions or application events. A sensor detects movement of the mobile device in the X, Y, or Z direction, and the processor uses this movement data to further refine the haptic effect. For example, if the device is tilted or shaken, the haptic feedback may adjust in intensity, pattern, or direction to enhance user experience. The system may also incorporate additional sensors, such as accelerometers or gyroscopes, to capture more nuanced motion data. By dynamically adjusting haptic effects based on device movement, the system improves interaction realism and responsiveness, particularly in gaming, virtual reality, or navigation applications. The processor may also apply predefined algorithms or machine learning models to optimize the haptic output based on the detected motion. This approach ensures that the tactile feedback aligns with the user's physical actions, creating a more intuitive and engaging experience.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The system of claim 18 , wherein the movement of the mobile device corresponds to a movement in a virtual workspace.

Plain English Translation

A system for tracking and translating the physical movement of a mobile device into corresponding movements within a virtual workspace. The mobile device is equipped with sensors to detect its spatial orientation and position changes in three-dimensional space. These detected movements are processed to generate control signals that manipulate a virtual representation of the mobile device within a virtual environment. The virtual workspace may include digital objects, interfaces, or simulations that respond to the device's movements, enabling intuitive interaction. The system may also include calibration mechanisms to align the physical and virtual movements accurately, ensuring precise control. Additionally, the system may support multiple input modes, such as gestures or voice commands, to enhance user interaction within the virtual workspace. This technology is particularly useful in applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, or remote control systems where physical movements need to be translated into digital actions. The system ensures seamless and responsive interaction between the physical and virtual domains, improving user experience and efficiency in virtual environments.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 23, 2018

Inventors

Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez
Danny A. Grant

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